Share story

Record-breaking cold chilled the Puget Sound region early Friday ahead of expected snowfall, with some of the lowest February temperatures for the date recorded in Seattle, Olympia and Hoquiam, according to the National Weather Service in Seattle.

At Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, the temperature dipped to 24 degrees, breaking the previous 27-degree record set in 2011; in Olympia, it got down to 18 degrees, 2 degrees lower than the 2005 record; and in Hoquiam, the 2017 record of 27 degrees was broken when the mercury hit 24 degrees, the weather service reported.

Forecasters urged caution during Friday’s commute as leftover snow and ice from earlier in the week left slick roads across much of the Puget Sound region, and they predicted another bout of winter weather later in the day.

Meteorologists with the weather service are calling for an inch or less of snow accumulation in Seattle over the course of Friday, between 2 to 4 inches in the North Cascade foothills, and between 6 to 12 inches of snow in the mountains.

“Snow is going to hit the coast tomorrow morning and could get into the Puget Sound area late in the morning, into the afternoon,” National Weather Service meteorologist Johnny Burg said Thursday afternoon. “It could make things slippery.”

Tonight will be the last night with lows in the upper teens and 20s. Even though it will be dry, any moisture left on roads and surfaces will refreeze, so use caution Friday morning. Lows Friday night will be in the 30s. #WAwxpic.twitter.com/6daCwScOfR

With Friday’s high temperature of 38 degrees, meteorologists expect snow in Seattle after 10 a.m., mixing with rain in the afternoon and evening. But that could be the last significant dumping for a while.

“After Friday, we’re not looking at any big snow accumulation in the Seattle area,” Burg said.

Saturday’s forecast calls for a chance of rain mixed with snow before 10 a.m., and then a possibility of rain showers. Sunday’s outlook shows rain. Weather models show both days reaching the lower 40s.

To prepare for difficult driving conditions, people should pack an emergency kit, including flashlights and a spare cellphone charger, among other essentials. Call 511 or check the Washington Department of Transportation’s website for the latest roadway conditions.

And check the service’s Twitter account (@NWSSeattle) or website before making trips.